Through Time and Space: декабря 2014

ᕙ Figueresᕗ

The town of Figueres situated inland in the province of Girona in Catalonia, is best known for being the home of Salvador Dalí; yet visitors to this town with its deep Catalan roots, will find much more than Dali memories. Figueres is teeming with cultural attractions and has a full festival program throughout the year for visitors to enjoy.

Figueres is the last town before the Spanish/French border in the county of Alt Empordà, set between the Pyrenees and the Costa Blanca. The nearest airport is Girona, just 56 kilometres from the town.

Places to Visit

Figueres is home to a host of important historical monuments and cultural attractions. Amongst which is the Castle of Sant Ferran, an 18th century military fortress built on the top of a hill on the outskirts of town. Its vast form dominates the town; it has a perimeter of more than three kilometres making it the largest historical monument in Catalonia and one of the largest fortresses in Europe.

Of course the main reason why most tourists visit Figueres and what really has left the greatest mark on the town, is that it was the birthplace of one of the greatest artists of all time, Salvador Dalí. Tourists come from all over the world to visit the famous Salvador Dali Theatre-Museum. The building was actually designed by the artist himself, inaugurated in 1974, it contains an extended collection of his works covering his entire career, from his early artistic experiences through to works created during the last year of his life.

Other notable attractions in Figueres include the Toy Museum of Catalonia; situated in the former Hotel Paris on the Rambla de Figueres; the museum exhibits over 4000 games and toys from different periods. The interesting collection ensures a nostalgic visit for both parents and children alike. The Empordà Museum is an ode to the historic routes of the local area, and takes you on a journey through the deep Catalan routes of Figueres and the province of Girona.

ᕙ Besalúᕗ

History & Architecture

Besalu was an important town in Roman times; when the Moors were expelled from this corner of Spain in the ninth century it was one of the first independent counties that arose. The town prospered, as it had done in Romans times and remained a place of importance well into the fourteenth century.

In appearance the town remains almost completely medieval, boasting some monuments quite out of proportion to its current humble status. Important monuments worth a visit include the Mikva, a twelfth-century Jewish bathhouse, the Romanesque church of Santa Vicenç (1018) and the ruins of Romanesque Santa María, on a rise overlooking the village. The 11 century Hospital, the late 12 century monastery of San Pedro and the church and monsatery of Sant Pere are all outstanding examples of the history of Besalu.

Today the city is in incredible condition for its age, giving you the chance to imagine what Spain was like during the Middle Ages.

ᕙ Castellfollit De La Rocaᕗ

Despite being one of the smallest towns in Catalonia, Castellfollit De La Roca is one of the most impressive places. This is mainly due to the fact that it has been built on the edge of a 50-metre cliff. The streets of this historic town are rich in character and much like its neighbour, Besalu, many of the buildings have been well kept and restored, keeping the town’s charisma intact.

DO YOU KNOW THE STORY OF THE BROKEN BRIDGE?

The broken bridge which lies next to the main road has a long history of misfortune. The bridge dates back to 1908, but soon after its construction several abutments cracked open as they had been built on unstable ground, and the bridge had to be re-built.

Later, at the end of the Civil War, the retreating Republican forces blew up the bridge to prevent the Nationalist army from advancing on. A few months after it had been restored back to use, the Great Storm of 1940 knocked down two arches. This was the final stroke of bad luck, the bridge was not rebuilt again, and another bridge, that of the present day was built in its place .

DID YOU KNOW THAT THE TOWN OF CASTELLFOLLIT WAS ONE OF THE FIRST TO HAVE TELEPHONES INSTALLED?

In 1904 the mayors of Castellfollit, Olot and Begudà combined their efforts to set up a telephone system between the three towns. In 1906 the idea was approved, and in 1907 the network was up and working. By 1913 the telephone network extended throughout the Gerona's region, and the whole of Spain.